Joan Baddley Ishee

It is with a broken heart that we share the passing of our beloved wife, daughter, sister, mother and Nana, Joan Baddley Ishee—our constant rock, our encourager, and a woman whose love knew no bounds. Joan passed away peacefully on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the age of 72.

Joan was a woman of deep faith, a longtime member of McLaurin Heights Baptist Church in Pearl, where she joyfully taught Vacation Bible School for many years. Her commitment to service and compassion extended beyond the church and into the heart of her career—as an educator in the Pearl Public School District for over 42 years. She served as a 5th grade math teacher, assistant principal, and principal at Pearl Upper Elementary and, even after retirement, led the Pirate Care afterschool program for many years before being called home to Heaven.

She also served faithfully alongside her husband during his time as a firefighter, leading both the Pearl Firefighter Ladies Auxiliary and the Mississippi Firefighter Ladies Auxiliary with grace and dedication.

Joan was a proud Mississippi State fan and loved cheering on their football and women's basketball teams. But her greatest joy came from time spent with her family—especially her precious grandchildren.

Joan’s heart was truly golden. She was a steady source of strength, encouragement, and unconditional love—not only to our family, but to so many whose lives she touched. From students and colleagues to friends and community members, Joan made a lasting impact. She lived a life of purpose and service, leaving behind a powerful legacy of love, devotion, compassion, and faith.

We are heartbroken, but deeply grateful for the gift of her life, her love, and her example.

She was preceded in death by her father, Joe Baddley; father-in-law, Zeb Ishee, and mother-in-law, Bonnie Ishee.

She is survived by her beloved husband of almost 53 years, Terry Ishee; mother, Connie Price Baddley; daughter, Laurin Bailey and husband Ryan; son, Brett Ishee; sister, Jean Cox and husband Pat; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Grace Bailey, and Avery Taylor Ishee; and nephew, Patrick Cox.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 am, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in the funeral home chapel with interment in Crestview Memorial Gardens, Brandon. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services on Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to McLaurin Heights Baptist Church, 404 Pemberton Dr, Pearl, MS 39208, or to the Pearl Gideons, P.O. Box 5973, Pearl, MS 39208.